Law Office of Dattan Scott Dattan

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Anchorage Criminal Defense Attorneys

When the stakes are high, you want the most experience on your side that you can obtain. Attorney D. Scott Dattan has protected the rights of people in Alaska since 1984. We take a mature, responsible and fair-minded approach and use our strong reputation in the courts in Alaska to help clients get favorable results.

Because of our track record in state and federal criminal cases, attorney D. Scott Dattan is frequently appointed to take over cases that have become problematic for other federal criminal defense attorneys. He was also selected to give a presentation about domestic violence to a statewide judicial conference and was invited to participate in an advisory panel for criminal defenders.

Defending Clients In Federal Court

Many of the crimes charged in federal court in Alaska are drug trafficking cases. In Alaska, the possession with intent to sell marijuana, powder or crack cocaine, heroin and prescription drugs can often involve crossing an international border. When the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is involved, you can be certain that the case will be thoroughly investigated. Federal prosecutors have greater resources at their disposal than state prosecutors, and so it is even more important that you have experience on your side.

The types of federal crimes with which we have significant experience include:

Criminal Defense: Possession & Other Drug Offenses

According to the Annual Drug Report of 2014, Alaska is among the top 10 states to abuse drugs and alcohol. The Alaskan State Troopers have said repeatedly that illegal substance use and abuse has become a leading cause of domestic violence, burglary, sexual assault, theft, and accidental deaths.

What You Need To Know About Possession

If you have been arrested for possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS), there are a few facts you should be aware of.

First, if you have a valid prescription for a CDS, carry it with you at all times. There are some drugs like codeine that are considered CDS, but are allowed to be bought, taken or carried by a consumer with the proper medical document.

Although marijuana is legal in Alaska, other controlled drugs are not. These drugs are categorized by the state according to its risk to consumers. The most serious cases are when you are found in possession of Schedule IA. This is the most dangerous class, under which opium derivatives fall, and is a Class C felony regardless of the quantity. There is a jail term and a fine to pay if caught.

Possession of Schedule IIA is also very serious and has the same penalties as Schedule IA. Moreover, if you are caught with Schedule IA or IIA within 500 feet of a youth center, school, bus, or recreation center, the penalties become more serious, with up to 10 years in jail and a maximum fine of $100,000. One of the least serious classifications is VA drugs that have a lower degree of possible danger. Some examples would be codeine or anabolic steroids.

What To Do If Caught

If this is your first offense, you could still be facing possible jail time and fines. Alaska takes drug possession very seriously and is known for its harsh laws. In 2013, a woman was caught mailing a package to her husband, which contained two meth pills (Schedule I). She had no prior history but still faced up to eight years in jail because this was a felony offense. Habitual offenders get an even harsher penalty.

How We Can Help

Being charged with possession of a CDS in any quantity is serious. You will need to find an attorney who is experienced and knowledgeable about the laws on CDS possession. It is possible for your lawyer to plead your case based on its merits and increase your chances of a dismissal. The charges can also be negotiated, as the country is finding more often that treating drug use and abuse as a medical condition instead of a criminal offense is more beneficial to all parties involved.

As your Anchorage criminal defense team, we can help you. Contact us to set up a confidential consultation where we will review your case and present legal options for you.

Alaska Drug Defense Lawyer · Anchorage Criminal Law Lawyers

Call (907) 276-8008 or email our Anchorage law office for a confidential consultation with an experienced Anchorage criminal defense lawyer. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.